[OOC/Screenshots] Beta Revisited

Due to my computer problems, I had a forced hiatus from beta. But I was able to log in again now! (And with better graphics, too!)

You’re able to make level 100 characters now, which is great. I made an Orny-clone and started exploring around and messing with spells and talents.

Let’s do the good stuff first: The zones and the new models look great! I was especially fond of Talador — with its Draenei architecture and beautiful autumn foliage. I haven’t traveled to Karabor yet but I plan to soon!

I was a bit worried about the druid changes, but just from messing around a little, resto seems to play fairly similarly. I haven’t dared to go into a dungeon yet — that will be the real test! All three level 100 talents for resto look interesting, so I’d like to do a little more testing there as well. But I’m relieved — so far at least.

You can also instantly upgrade your Garrison to its highest level. It’s now a full town, complete with tons of quests.

As you can see I haven’t finished all of my buildings yet. There’s also one of the “defense” quests you can do; I’d like to try it just to see how awful it is (or isn’t) for future reference. It’s really quite large, the size of a full town, and as you can see there are plenty of NPCs walking around. It’s just… I don’t really see the point of having what amounts to a private quest hub town. What purpose does it serve other than isolating players — which I thought was the opposite of Blizzard’s goal? I don’t mind the aesthetic of the Alliance garrison, though I would have preferred Draenei-style buildings. I definitely am not a fan of the Horde buildings, however.

I was pleased to find this little house (even though it appears to belong to a female druid already. But I’m the “commander” so it’s mine now huh?)

If I could invite my friends over, it would be great for RP wouldn’t it? I haven’t tested that yet, though as I mentioned in another post there is an achievement for visiting a friend’s garrison, so it should be possible at some point, if not now.